Aston Villa: January Transfers That Could Happen

With the January Transfer window looming – certain rumours have been thrown around since the beginning of the 12/13 season. Here I will take a look at the potential 'comings and goings' that will affect The Barclay's Premier League.

With only £58,000,000 spent in The British Transfer Market last January – it is fair to say that compared to the summer window, top flight managers are much more reluctant to spend. That said – with such success stories like Papiss Cisse and Nikica Jelavicpeople may wonder why managers do not spend? Of course, the likes of big spenders Manchester City and Chelsea are in the latter stages of assembling their squads to challenge domestically and on the continent.

In this article – I will look at transfer rumours surrounding teams in The Barclay's Premier League. The potential comings and goings and reasons behind the move.

Coming In:

Kris Commons

According to CalcioMercato Villa are lining up a move for Celtic midfielder Kris Commons. The 29 year old may be tempted by a move to Villa to compete in the top tier of English football, having previously had spells with Stoke City, Nottingham Forest and Derby County in the lower divisions. Villa manager Paul Lambert is pursuing the play maker as he looks to bring in more creativity into his side. The midfielder has scored 19 goals in 66 games for Celtic and provided an impressive. amount of assists.

Dan Gosling

Another midfielder Paul Lambert is keen to bring to Villa is out-of-favour Newcastle player Dan Gosling. The player made a contraversial move from Everton to Newcastle but his career was held back by a knee problem, but now that the player is fully fit he cannot push his way into Alan Pardew's plans. Lambert could move for the player in January as he looks to bolster his midfield options.

Craig Gordon

After former Sunderland boss Roy Keane payed Hearts ₤9 million Craig Gordon become the most expensive goalkeeper in British transfer history. Now, though the keeper is a free agent and is being courted by a number of clubs, including Aston Villa to provide extra cover and competition for current keepers Shay Given and Brad Guzan.

Yoan Gouffran

Villa are battling it out with Everton for the signature of Yoan Gouffran, talkSPORT say. The former France U21 international will be sold in January to avoid the player leaving for nothing in the summer when his current deal at Bordeaux expires. Lamber will be looking to bring the forward in and add some much needed fire power to his squad after seeing record signing Darren Bent draw a blank so far this season.

Going Out:

Darren Bent

Liverpool and QPR are reportedly weighing up a January move for Aston Villa's record signing Darren Bent. The striker is currently out-of-favour with Villa boss Paul Lambert after a series of reported bust up's between the pair. Bent was replaced as captain by Ron Vlaar when Lambert joined the Midlands club. QPR's owner chairman Tony Fernandes is a know admirer of Bent but with Liverpool in desperate need of striking reinforcements it's tough to see who will come out on top in the race for the players signature.

Stephen Warnock

Currently on loan at Bolton, Stephen Warnock was reportedly told he could leave Aston Villa by boss Paul Lambert. The left back was part of Fabio Capello's world cup squad two years ago but may now find himself on the way out of Villa Park as Lambert tries to reduce the clubs wage bill. Sunderland and Championship side Blackburn are both reportedly interested in the defenders services and could make a bid to sign the player as early as January.

Alan Hutton

Alan Hutton is another player at Villa that has reportedly been told he can leave the club, whether it be on loan or permanently. The former Tottenham and Rangers defender is not currently training with the first team and Paul Lambert was quoted as saying “There could be a chance of him going out on loan. I've told him that if there is something there then he can look at it. I've always been honest with him. I think that is the best way of being honest with people. He knows the situation.”

Jean Makoun

Makoun has only made 11 appearances since joining Aston Villa in January 2011 and is currently on loan at French side Rennes. The player was also loaned out last season to Olympiacos and the Cameroon international could find himself leaving Villa Park permanently after complications with a work permit, one of those complications according to MirrorFootball is his inability to pass the English language test.